Men's Soccer vs CMS (L 0-1)

I've got two words for our Men's Bulldog Soccer Team, At Large. That's what we'll need to make the NCAA tournament now that we lost in the last few minutes to the Stags of CMS in the SCIAC Tournament final. And I mean final few minutes. The game was a classic scoreless duel with both teams fighting for every possession. It was rough too; three yellow cards and 21 fouls. In the end the Stags had more opportunities and shots on goal but our strong defense thwarted one after another until less than six minutes to go one slipped by and found the back of the net. It seemed that our offense never quite got into sync. Our Bulldogs are exceptional but tonight they fell one goal short. Soccer can be like that. Look at our Ladies. They were the underdogs, but tonight on another team's field they pulled off the upset SCIAC Tournament win and get the automatic NCAA bid. Talk about peaking at the right time. Let's hope both Redlands teams move on. The women with momentum behind them and the men with a sense of urgency and confidence they've shown throughout the season. Monday we find out for the men. My paws are crossed.

Men's Soccer vs. Pomona-Pitzer (W 1-0)

The men played in Round 1 of the SCIAC tournament against a feisty Sagehen opponent on another perfect evening after an unusually warm day. It was great soccer weather for the 400 plus fans sprawled out on the grass berms. I admit I arrived a tad late because I had to attend a Math Review Session (I need some brushing up on probability). But I was well rested and I arrived in time to catch Jamie's goal toward the end of the first half. It turned out that the single netter held up for the final score, in part to some superb play and saves by Andreas in the pipes. There was one shot that bounced off the posts that I thought might be a Sagehen equalizer, but luckily it went back out and was cleared by our defense. Round 1 to the Bulldogs! Next up are the Stags for the tournament title. That game is Saturday at 7 pm also at Farquhar Field. Meanwhile I schmoozed some with the Women's Soccer team and wished them luck in their title game Saturday at Oxy. Go Dawgs!

Men's Water Polo vs. Pomona-Pitzer (L 9-12)

Senior Night at Thompson Aquatic Center saw another five Bulldog student athletes finish their regular season, home-match, collegiate careers; Drew, Blake, Brendan, Bosant, and Andrew. All five will be playing in the SCIAC tournament, but they won't be playing as an undefeated SCIAC team. The Sagehens came out aggressive in the first half and built up a lead we struggled to surmount all night. We definitely came out flat. Maybe it had to do with the near 100 degree weather we had today. I don't know. Sometimes these games happen. The game was still entertaining to watch and everyone who came out was excited to see us pull within two in the fourth period. But the Sagehens held us back; this time. Let this serve as a wake up call. We're Bulldogs and we will bring the fight to the next match against Oxy and carry that momentum into the tournament. We'll bring the fight like our Ladies Soccer team did earlier in the day when they upset Cal Lu 2-0. Thanks again to the Seniors for all the great years of play and good luck with those games you have remaining. Go Dawgs!

Women's Volleyball vs. Cal Lu (L 0-3)

Senior Nights keep coming as one sport after another closes out their seasons and tonight was no different on this perfect southern California evening. Currier Gym and an enthusiastic crowd of Bulldog supporters witnessed the end of five Bulldog Volleyball careers; Megan, Kirby, Heather, Chelsea, and Jackie. We can choose to wallow in the fact that we lost in straight sets to the best team in the league or we can choose to celebrate five wonderfully talented Seniors that gave everything they had when they stepped out on the court. I choose the latter. There were some tears shed tonight. Not for the loss of the game but for the loss of the leadership these five student athletes brought to the team. I haven't seen a more loose and fun loving bunch of players than this group. Win or lose, there were smiles. Spike or sideout, there were cheers, circles, and positive words of encouragement. And at the heart of this team were the Seniors. We may have missed the SCIAC tournament this year, but the foundation our Seniors laid will pay dividends for years to come. Great job ladies. We will build on this experience and get better because of your contributions to our university.

School of Business Re-Opens Riverside Campus

Talulah and I helped the School of Business cut the red ribbon on the newly renovated downtown Riverside campus building. Many faculty, staff, students, and community members were present to celebrate the well-equipped classroom and office spaces. It was a time to thank all the community, corporate, and college sponsors of the School of Business. Many speeches lauded the achievements of the program and hopes for continuing success. Way to go School of Business!!!